This book recounts the development of a standing Russian army from the end of the 16th century to the million strong force that resisted Napoleon. The Russians were heavily defeated at the battle of Austerliz but in the Armistice period that followed the Russians regrouped and several improvements were made. In1812 when Napoleon invaded this new army was protected at the cost of Moscow . The Russians faced Napoleon for the last time at the Battle of Leizig where together with their allies they inflicted a severe defeat. These battles are discussed in full and are accompanied by several contemporary illustrations. Eight colour plates accompany the text to show the uniforms and equipment used by the Russian soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars. Text by Albert Seaton with illustrations by Michael Youens.